EAST LANSING - Andrew Maxwell was named the starting quarterback for the season opener against Western Michigan on Tuesday.

"He brings consistency in terms of his knowledge of our offense," said Mark Dantonio. "He's got experience with 13 games last year, and he's got a chance to get back into the arena and put his foot down, plant and drive forward.

"I am very, very confident that he is going to have a great football game for us. He has been very, very impressive for us, these last number of practices."

"We have four young people who are major college quarterbacks," said Dantonio. "They've got great arm strength, they've got size. Some are lacking in experience. Some have more experience. We've allowed the competition to take place. We knew where we were going with this, probably after last Tuesday."

Dantonio believes Maxwell is the best choice at quarterback.

"We are always going to play the best player, that is the one thing that I will always try and play the very best player whether is a freshman or not. Andrew has proven that he is that guy and I'm excited about the opportunities that lay in front of him this season and really lay in front of him particularly Friday night, for him to demonstrate where he's come from. That's an opportunity."